A few months ago, I shared the start of my Bye Bye Baby Weight journey, and I have come to terms with the annoying fact that losing the weight is not as easy as it was to gain it.
I started to really focus my weight loss goals in April. By mid-May, I’d lost an additional 7 pounds, but have definitely struggled to continue to stay motivated. So, this post is not just going to be about my great weight loss achievements, but a list of ways in which I continue to motivate myself when it seems like I will forever have this “mom bod”:
- Joining a weight loss program was key. For a very reasonable price, I was a 6 week challenger through a local fitness program. The trainers were incredible and the workouts were some of the hardest I’ve ever done. I wavered in how consistent I was – life happened. We were moving into a new home, work, kids, etc. But it did really help to jump start my weight loss, and remind me that I have the ability to be so strong. Each week the workouts seemed a little less hard (notice I didn’t say easier) and the network it created of fellow weight loss challengers was amazing.
- When I felt like the number on the scale was still higher than I wanted, I looked at a record of my previous weights. I have an amazing App through my OB’s office that shows all my medical statistics throughout my pregnancy. I was able to look not only at my weight when I was very pregnant, but I could see what my weight was when I became pregnant. This allowed me to celebrate the little goals of pounds lost over the course of time on the road to my big weight loss goal.
- Walking. This was the key to me feeling better and staying sane. My husband and I made a strict evening date with each other every night. This allowed us to decompress from work, talk to each other with minimal distractions (there was some interruption from one of my little talkers in the stroller), and get some much needed exercise.
- Water, water, water. There is a direct correlation between the days that I snack less and drink more water, than those days that I barely drink any water and snack frequently. Water fills you up and if you are full, you are less likely to snack. Plus, the glow all that extra water brings to your skin is just an added bonus!
- Look at that before picture and measurements. It is not just about the number on the scale! I repeat, it is not just about the number on the scale! When I started to feel real muscle in my arms, I felt amazing! Taking a glance at that before picture really helps me see my progression.
- Cutting my portions down. If you are anything like me, you can’t seem to give up your sweets cold turkey. I tried, it didn’t go well. I found that if I’m not giving up the things I enjoy eating, but simply controlling the portions in which I am eating them, I am a much happier, losing weight person. Weight Watchers has had some great recipes and helps me really understand the right size portion for ideal health.
My journey is one that will be a life style change – I don’t just want to lose the baby weight (and then some) but I want to feel like I can maintain a healthy life for me and my family.
I’ll continue to provide more updates. In the meantime, share what has {or hasn’t} worked for you!
